October...ing

 Hello everyone I thought I would share a few things that I have been up to this month, and today we change the clocks here in the UK so it definitely feels a little different already. 

Sew...ing So one of my recent makes this month was a  pair of trousers from burda September, they were a success and I will make them again. The fabric I used was one of the the ones I was given a while ago after a clear out.  It is a linen blend I think and I just thought I would try the pattern first of all but I have actually worn these a few times already.  My only issue with this type of fabric is the slubs in it, it always looks to me as being worn or damaged already and i know a lot of people love that linen look but this is an issue with it I feel, you don't want your clothes looking snagged immediatley do you? Or am I just being fussy? Well anyway I love the trousers, the pockets and fit are really good.  I did choose to make these all in one colour but in the magazine the pattern is designed for a two tone effect on the bottom of the leg.

I do have  a sew along video on youtube if anyone would like a peek and you can find it here

Another make was a bag I made for my friend as a gift, she wanted something a bit bigger for her holiday and she had certain colours in mind so I made this for her birthday.  It has a zip closure and an adjustable strap so she can wear it across her body (with two little ones she needs her hands free).

I have made some other things of course for work but my own sewing has taken a back seat just recently.

Watch...ing the ballet 'Giselle' at Buxton Opera house last Sunday, we really enjoyed that and it is a little reminder to get out and do something different every once in a while.  I haven't been to see a ballet for a while now as the theatre we usually go to seems to have stopped putting it on (The Penistone Paramount) they used to be quite reasonable.  This particular show was more expensive but as it not something we do often we justified it with an upcoming celebration.  There were a lot of people in Buxton but then it was the first weekend of the School holidays. 

Eat...ing or trying to eat a bit more variety especially in the morning.  I have been having a bit of a relapse with my stomach so trying all I can to settle it down. Last week I documented a different breakfast each day mainly as a reminder to myself to change things up and not just eat porridge every day.  I did find though that the gluten free muselie by deliciously Ella is a trigger so I won't be eating that anymore plus it is very expensive. I am glad it was on offer when I bought it or I would have been very annoyed!

So my selection if anyone is looking for ideas was. Gf branflakes with fruit and flax seeds, the muselie (that i will swap for soemthing else!) gram flour vegan pancakes with blueberries, scrambled tofu and tomatoes, soya yogurt, fruit and nuts,  gram flour wrap, vegan sausage, salad and advocado and porridge with apple and almonds. 

Read...ing Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue, I enjoyed this,  it is historical female centred and had relationship at it's core but i would say I found it very graphic.  I don't know why every book I pick up recently has to be like that but there you go! Well written and super characters but a bit much in places. 

Then 'Pine' by Francine Toon this was very atmospheric  for this time of year and another good story, a great one to pick up for the cold dark months or maybe halloween if you are into that kind of thing.  Not very scary just spooky.  After that I read 'Loved Clothes Last' by Orsola de Castro, I loved this book it gives you so much to think about.  As someone who makes clothes I know the hours that this entails so seeing clothes so very dirt cheap in shops has always made me feel that clearly people are being exploited for this to be so.  Then of course the sheer waste as all the fashions change over each season, well worth a read for anyone.  The Witches of Vardo was my next read, another historical fiction about a very real topic and so very sad, I don't think this topic comes up enough in regards to needless loss of life and also how beliefs can be twisted to cause harm or even death to others.  My Current read is Babel by R.F Kuang and I am loving this! Fantasy mixed up with real language and historical facts, the issues of race and colonialism there is just so much going on, a very clever book indeed.

Look...ing at the coming month and wondering what positive habit I can add.  I will get back to you on this one as I feel it is always good to start something new.

Have a lovely week. Back soon.